- Koome said that Judiciary police in consultation with the police IG shall conduct strict search protocols to ensure that no one shall access the court armed.
- This exempts court officers on duty to provide security within court premises.
Image: HANDOUT
Chief Justice Martha Koome has outlined security measures to be implemented in all courts following the shooting of Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti at Makadara Law Courts.
In a press statement Sunday, Koome said that Judiciary police in consultation with the police IG shall conduct strict search protocols to ensure that no one shall access the court armed.
This exempts court officers on duty to provide security within court premises.
She said that going forward, it shall be mandatory for all Judicial officers and staff to clearly display their name tags while on court premises.
"Court officers like advocates, police officers and the public shall be required to provide identification documents to facilitate access in courts," she added.
Koome further said that access to the court parking lot shall be restricted to vehicles with serialised Judiciary car stickers.
"Each station shall issue temporary passes to facilitate access by designated visitors," she said.
She also noted that vehicles accessing court premises shall be subjected to mandatory search procedures.
The CJ said that each station shall put in place measures to ensure there is restricted access to judges and Magistrates' chambers.
"The Office of the Chief Registrar shall be immediately notified if any additional support is required to implement this restriction directive," she said.
Customer care desks shall be strengthened through the deployment of staff and adequate ICT equipment.
She explained that this will ensure optimal utilisation of the customer care desks and increase the quality of service.
"Each station in consultation with the Court Users Committee, shall submit any requests for facilitation of any security infrastructure that is required to address any identified gaps," she said.
"Stations with makeshift structures and tents should liaise with the Office of the Chief Registrar on modalities of implementing the directives issued by the Chief Justice and the Judiciary Service Commission."
Koome further said that the Judiciary leadership team, the HR directorate, the building, infrastructure and development committee and the Judiciary security management committee shall work with other agencies to implement comprehensive long-term security measures.
"This will ensure the safety and well-being of all Judges, Judicial Officers, staff and court users," she said.
Koome said that these directives will be in effect from June 24.
Magistrate Kivuti was shot on June 13 at the Makadara Law Courts after she made a ruling in a case involving a policeman's wife.
Monica succumbed to the injuries sustained from the shooting incident on June 14.